As an instructor at Renaissance Firearms Instruction in New York, I have significant experience with the legal featureless AR-15. Some people are unfamiliar with it. Others don’t even know it exists. If you’re either of those people, that means you likely live in a free state. For those of you who aren’t so lucky, watch the video above. I’ll give you a full rundown on the featureless AR-15 and also how to use it right.

Why Have a Featureless AR-15?

The AR-15 is one of the most popular firearm platforms you’ll find. It’s highly customizable and easy to learn in terms of controls. However, due to the SAFE Act, semi-auto rifles with the capability of accepting detachable magazines must be free of certain features in certain states like New York; those include folding or collapsible stocks, flash hiders, muzzle brakes, threaded barrels, bayonet lugs, and several other features including pistol grips.

However, Thordsen, Spur/Patrick Henry and BoAR grips allow New Yorkers to legally own an AR-15 that accepts detachable mags. The one caveat here is that they are free of other common features.

Through the live-fire session in the video above, we illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of each grip option. We also help shooters decide which might be the best option for their needs based on shooting activity and hand-dominancy. Is the featureless AR-15 an almost perfect alternative to the real thing? No, because there really is no substitute. But for those of you not living in the free states, it’s pretty much all you’ve got.